County Brief:

The decision to auction off the Magruder property was approved to be sold last week by the Valley County Commissioners. The parcel of land, located on the south side of town along MT Highway 42, was utilized as the home to the local farmer’s market. The plot will be sold at an auction taking place in the lobby at the Valley County Courthouse on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioners also decided in favor of an increase in the clothing allowance and differential pay for the Valley County Sheriff’s Office. The clothing allowance was increased from $1,000 to $1,250. The allowance covers the cost of maintaining uniforms that are up to regulation. Funds from the allowance can also be used towards duty related expenses, such as flashlights, handcuffs, ammunition and training, if there are remaining funds after uniform upkeep. Differential pay was increased to $2 per hour, which is applied in addition to the normal wage of the deputies and undersheriff while on duty from 4 p.m. to 7 a.m., on weekends or on holidays. The increases were made in order for the Valley County Sheriff’s Office to be a competitive employer with other municipalities and hopefully reduce turnover.

The bridge over Beaver Creek on Milk River Road near Hinsdale is under construction. Currently, the crews have removed the old bridge rendering the road closed to thru traffic. The road should be reopened by Nov. 26, when the bulk of the project is scheduled to be completed.